Cellphone/Camera Stalk Perch for MK3S
I need to be able to monitor my printer from other rooms. I intend to use an old cell phone as a camera. But I will need something to clamp a cellphone stalk (one of those gooseneck stalks which clamps onto the phone at one end and clamps on to something else - e.g. a table top - at the other end) to. So I am thinking about a length of t-slot, fixed perpendicular to the existing piece of t-slot which forms the right side of the MK3S frame, and thus sticking out to the right horizontally. The gooseneck stalk would clamp onto the added piece of t-slot - i.e. the perch. I've attached a photo of the existing piece of t-slot I am talking about. Although I have to admit that in the photo it does not look much like t-slot.
My question: I am new to the t-slot concept (but very intrigued by it). Can I purchase any old piece of t-slot and auxiliary pieces (mainly two right angle braces) and it will work? Or are there size and configuration things I have to worry about? I have learned that it comes in different sizes and I know that the piece I would be attaching to is 30mm square. I guess my main concern the the size of the slot. Are they all the same? AND what's a good source for t-slot parts for a hobbyist? Someone who will sell me just a 6-8" length and a few braces, screws, etc. ?
ALSO does anyone know if I will be able to make the t joint (to join the perch to the existing t-slot in the MK3S frame) without any disassembly of the MK3S or drilling any holes in the existing t-slot? In everything I have seen so far on YouTube every assembly seems to involve either drilling a hole or sliding a nut into the t-slot from an open end.
Thanks, Bob
USA / PA / 17821 : Fusion 360 > PrusaSlicer > Prusa MK3S
RE: Cellphone/Camera Stalk Perch for MK3S
Just a thought before you do this: If you're putting weight out on the end of a long stalk, it's likely to vibrate at resonant frequencies as the printer moves the nozzle around. This might be sufficient to impact part quality. You might want to consider a shorter or more robust mount, or moving it off the printer frame altogether.
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